A dental crown is considered a restoration, while porcelain veneers are cosmetic. Both are designed to cover up damaged teeth and either reinforce them or aesthetically perfect them. Over the years, a large variety of materials have been used for fabricating dental crowns and veneers, but some form of metal, resin, or porcelain are the usual suspects. That said, how do you know if porcelain veneers or zirconia crowns will best meet your needs?
Porcelain Veneers
A thorough examination will be at the start of any consultation for cosmetic dental work such as veneers. X-rays will be needed to ensure that your tooth enamel has the strength to support your new veneers. Your teeth will also need to be in good condition – free of decay. Once the health of your teeth has been established, the porcelain veneer procedure can be green-lighted. The surfaces of the teeth will be subject to a very small amount of enamel removal with an abrasive. This will allow the porcelain veneers to rest naturally on your teeth, right along the gumline. If you come across a cosmetic dentist that wants to skip the step of enamel preparation, you may want to get a second opinion. Dr. Engelberg assures you that this important element is essential for the procedure so that your new smile won’t appear bulky and unnatural.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia distinguishes itself as a dental material because of unprecedented strength. Obviously, this is a major benefit when considering a dental restoration. Your teeth weather plenty of wear and tear. When you go through a dental crown procedure, you want the restoration to last. Zirconia is made from an oxide of a metal. The look of zirconia gives the material an aesthetic look of being “metal-free” even if it technically is not. Once placed, a color-matched Zirconia crown is polished or glazed to give a natural, translucent, tooth-like appearance. The most cosmetically appealing method is to layer Zirconia with porcelain, thus ensuring the best of both cosmetic and restorative worlds.
ABOUT YOUR ARLINGTON HEIGHTS DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
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